Play and recreation at the heart of new Wallaceville Reserve
Published on 16 April 2025
Update: 16 April 2025
PHASE TWO: ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND AND PLAY FEATURES UNDERWAY
The new adventure playground has now been installed, offering an exciting space for children and families to explore and enjoy. The careful design of the structure with its graduated challenges ensures children can safely “take risks” as they play and explore their capabilities in natural, outdoor space. The playground also features play logs and feature rocks, creating a natural play environment that blends into the reserve's surroundings.
The safety surfacing is currently being installed, ensuring that the area is safe and accessible for all users. This playground is a great addition to the area, giving families a dedicated, fun, and secure place to spend time together outdoors.
Caption: Playground at Wallaceville Reserve
PHASE THREE: PUMP TRACK UPDATE
Following recent concerns, the existing pump track and the improvised jumps that have been added will be removed in the coming weeks.
Looking ahead, there is potential for a new, purpose-built pump track to be established in a different location within the reserve, pending further consultation with the community.
As part of our sustainable approach, we’re reusing the soil from the playground excavation to create a seating mound next to the play area. This will avoid removal costs and create a pleasant and inviting space.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support.
WHAT’S NEXT?
We are excited about the progress made so far and look forward to completing the remaining elements of the project by mid-May 2025.
First published 14 March 2025
We're excited to announce that we have started the development of Wallaceville Reserve to bring an inviting open space for play and recreation to local residents and the wider Upper Hutt community.
The first stage of the Reserve's development is already complete.
You may have noticed some of the following features while out and about in the area:
- walking tracks and bridges, including play bridges;
- seating to take in the beautiful nature views;
- litter bins to keep the area tidy and for everyone to enjoy; and
- two new signs to show the area's new name, Wallaceville Reserve.
Work is currently under way for the final stage, with a focus on adding a selection of natural play features.
A new playground is taking shape: we have dug out an area for a new fort structure set to make it a much-loved destination for families and kids. The fort design was specifically chosen to fit in with the present tōtara trees, which give the Reserve its distinct character.
In keeping with the nature theme, and to bring a little extra adventure to the space, logs and large rocks will be dotted around the area to add another feature for play and exploring.
We also have exciting plans for the surplus material that has been dug out so far: Wallaceville Reserve is getting a natural mini pump track for biking! This will be welcome news to residents who have already seen the potential of the site and been busy with bike jumps in the current mounds of soil. (Please note: work on the pump track is currently on hold.)
Showcasing the magnificent tōtara trees is at the forefront of this project.
This means that we will let nature take over a bit in the Reserve. The grass around the base of some of the tōtara trees will remain unmown to help protect the trees and encourage wildlife. Some other trees will have mulch applied around the base to help protect these specimen trees for future generations.
The combination of the beautiful stands of trees, nature-based amenities, and play features will bring a wonderful addition to the subdivision, its residents, and our wider community.